Knotted Pearl Necklace

This necklace is an elegant update on a classic look. Pearls have traditionally been knotted when strung on silk or other stringing materials. This is to prevent the pearls from rolling away should the strand break. With the newer, imitation pearls, you don't run the financial risk of the potential loss, but it still adds a touch of authenticity if you knot the strand as you string it.

Step one: If you are not familiar with how to knot pearls, please review the Handy Tip in our Learning Center called How to Knot. You may want to practice with some sample beads to become comfortable with the procedure before beginning with your Swarovski pearls. Start by stringing your beadtip as instructed in the Handy Tip. Next, string a 5mm white pearl, pull it tight against the beadtip and knot it. Repeat until you have 15 of the 5mm white pearls, knotting between each as you go.

Step three: Reverse the pattern and work back to the other end of your strand. When you have strung the last light grey pearl, add the remaining 15 5mm white pearls, of course continuing to knot between each as you go. Do not knot after the last pearl.

Step four: Pass your needle through the hole of your beadtip from the end where the joint is toward the inside. Make a surgeon's knot, holding your tweezers as far down in the clamshell as possible, and carefully tighten it. Do not let go until the knot is in a satisfactory position and very secure. Once you have secured the knot, trim the excess cord on both ends of the necklace, place a drop of GS-Hypo glue on each knot and pinch the beadtips closed.

Step five: Attach a jump ring to each loop of your toggle clasp and close the rings. Attach the beadtips to the jump rings by wrapping the ends of the bead tips through the jump rings using your round nose pliers until the metal makes a loop to touch the beadtip again. For help with jump rings, click here.